Philippine soldiers in a counterterrorism raid killed at least 15 Islamic State fighters and injured their leader.
The troops conducted air and artillery strikes on Sunday targeting a hideout in a southern province according to a senior military official.
The military source named the terror leader as Isnilon Hapilon, also known as Abu Abdullah and a leader of the Philippine militant group.
Through intelligence and communications intercepts, the source pointed out that the militant leader life was in danger and might die.
Abu Sayyaf, might die as he needed immediate medical treatment, military chief General Eduardo Ano told reporters, citing intelligence and communications intercepts.
"He needs blood transfusion. Without proper medical treatment, he may die," Ano said.
Philippine soldiers on Thursday dropped bombs and fired shells at rebel positions in the mountains of Lanao del Sur in a bid to flush out Hapilon.
The province is a stronghold of the Maute rebel group, which has also pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
The terror leader has been on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's most wanted list for his role in the kidnapping of 17 Filipinos and three Americans in 2001 and bounty reward of $5 million on his head.
